Greater Patagonian Trail Section 8: Volcán Chillán
The place
The Greater Patagonian Trail (GPT) is an ambitious long-distance route linking Atacama with the Andes of southern Patagonia over 3 000+ km. Segment 8, between the Chillán volcanic complex and the thermal baths of Termas del Flaco, is a ~180 km section traversing active volcano slopes (Nevado de Chillán, 3 212 m), dense Andean forest, remote highland ranches and Andean passes accessible only on horseback or on foot. GPT segments are for experienced wilderness trekkers with excellent navigation skills; much of the route is unmapped and crosses private estancias.
Why go
Nevado de Chillán and its steaming fumaroles. Hot springs along the route. Monkey puzzle (Araucaria) forests — living fossils from the dinosaur era. Condors overhead. Remote Andean vistas rarely seen by non-local travelers. Snow bridges and glacial lakes.
A bit of history
Conceived and pioneered by German hiker Jan Dudeck, who spent years mapping the Greater Patagonian Trail, publishing GPS tracks and route notes openly on Wikiexplora. The GPT has no official backing and no consistent infrastructure — each section is a raw adventure.
Getting there
Termas de Chillán: bus from Chillán (1h30). Termas del Flaco: bus from San Fernando (2h). Both towns accessible from Santiago (4–5h by bus).
Recommended gear
Tent mandatory. 4-season sleeping bag. GPS with downloaded GPT tracks (essential). Emergency PLB. Ice axe and crampons for early/late season. Satellite communicator. Water purification. Spanish language basics essential.
Best season
December to March (southern hemisphere summer). Snow and ice hazards outside this window.